Al Ahly, the Egyptian powerhouse, secured their record-extending 12th CAF Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Esperance in the second leg of the final at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, May 25.
This triumph marks Al Ahly’s fourth consecutive lifting of the prestigious trophy.
After a goalless draw in Rades on May 19, Al Ahly capitalized on the support of their fervent home crowd to edge out their Tunisian opponents.
Al Ahly’s lone goal came from an unfortunate own goal by Roger Aholou, deflecting Ramy Moustafa’s header into the net in the fourth minute, catching young goalkeeper Amenallah Memmiche off guard.
Played at an intense pace under the Cairo night sky, both teams exchanged attacks, with solid defensive efforts thwarting numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Esperance had a promising chance in the 52nd minute when TKA’s low drive narrowly missed the target, much to the relief of Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Despite the momentum, Esperance nearly leveled the score just after the hour mark, but Yan Sasse’s curling effort narrowly missed the target.
Al Ahly came close to doubling their lead when Emam Ashour’s powerful strike was punched away by the keeper.
In the dying minutes of the game, the experienced Afsha almost sealed the victory with a well-taken free-kick that rattled the crossbar.
The match ended 1-0 in favor of Al Ahly, crowning them champions of Africa once again in front of their jubilant home supporters in Cairo.
